I have 2 YOE in product design/UX/marketing, academic background in biological science. Got my foot in the door in product in Asia Pacific - worked for a unicorn fintech startup and then an e-commerce agency. Just moved back to the states (LA) a couple of weeks ago to have more opportunities to grow in my career and also leadership development. I’ve been applying at various tech companies and so far haven’t gotten much feedback. I did get 2 leads but they’ve been taking a while, one company is saying they’re looking for somebody with more years of experience and the other I keep having to check in with the recruiter about getting an interview with the head of design (they haven’t said no and asked if I could share more work samples). I’m wondering if US companies don’t care about international experience or think that it’s not good enough/relevant. I really enjoyed working with people from all over the world and I felt that Americans abroad tend to have a more open mind than most people I knew back home. Could just be my personal experience. Or maybe I’m missing something I don’t know. Curious to know if anyone has any advice or have been in a similar situation. I heard companies can take typically 5-8 weeks for the hiring process, maybe I’m being impatient but if they’re interested would they really still take that long? Edit: I do have a portolio with case studies and an intro/summary of my background and experience so recruiters and hiring managers can learn a bit about me as a person. #productdesign #uxdesigner #design #jobhunt #designjobs #product
AngelList is also a good resource apart from crunchbase
So far I haven’t had much luck on Angel List unfortunately, most job listings are in SF while I’m looking to be based in LA. But I’ll keep using it to see. Thanks!
Personally companies and pedigree doesn’t matter as much. Though it might for recruiter whose screening before reaching me. What matters is your portfolio. Honestly most times I just glance at the resume. Work and how your talk about the work is more important.
Thanks for your input. When I was scouting for designers at my previous companies I also glanced mostly at their resume too as it usually tells me about their basic design skills like layout and content.
Actually, if it’s not much of a trouble - could I message you to get your feedback on my portfolio to see what I might be missing?
As an engineer often on the design hiring committees, it seems to come down to portfolio and approach.
That’s awesome that your organization includes engineer in the design hiring process. What is your approach generally when you interview designers if I may ask?
I mainly ask about their relevant platform experience, how they work with engineers, and handle when engineers fail to implement to spec.
Let me know if you'd like a portfolio review. For me my portfolio has been the biggest asset, and I was able to land jobs in startups off of my case studies with less than 3 years of experience. Now I'm going into more of a mid-senior role and they definitely cared more about my research and lead skills. Larger companies might be looking for more experience or a specific skill set. Startups will probably be the easiest to land, but the hiring process will vary in length. Some places it can be 2 weeks, some it can take 5-8 weeks like you said.
That would be wonderful! Portfolio is certainly the biggest asset of a designer, and sometimes it stresses me out as I constantly ask myself if I have done the best to represent my skills and work. Will send you a DM.
Yeah definitely, feel free to DM me!
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Bigger companies will rely more on pedigree, go for startups to accelerate your path. Scan Crunchbase for new seed rounds and have a portfolio ready to show startups that you pick. Startups have lots of cash and little sense, it’s a great way to get moving.
^ literally this :) . Plenty of high growth startups which are willing to take a bet on you and your work.
Thanks guys, that’s interesting I haven’t thought about Crunchbase as a source to look for opportunities before.